An Australian icebreaker has edged closer overnight to a Russian ship stuck in sea ice in Antarctica, but a blizzard is hampering rescue efforts.

A spokeswoman for the Australian Maritime Safety Authority says the Aurora Australis reached the edge of thick pack ice about 2:00am (AEDT), putting it about 20 nautical miles east of the stricken ship.

She says snow showers and poor visibility have prevented the icebreaker from getting any closer at this stage.

She says the Aurora will wait until the weather improves before attempting to reach the ship.

"The pack ice seems to be opening up a little bit all the way around us," he said.

"In fact there are big cracks appearing way towards the horizon.

"Pools of water are beginning to open up and we're just wondering whether this is our lucky break."

Those on board the stranded ship are in good spirits and have been posting regular updates on social media.

Expedition spokesman Alvin Stone said: "They're remarkably calm, I think it's a case of most of the scientists onboard are fairly accepting that these sorts of things can happen, and the people who came with them, and have been helping with the science. It's kind of turned into an adventure for them."

If the Aurora Australis fails to reach the ship, authorities are planning a helicopter evacuation of the passengers.